Sunday, December 18, 2011
Remembering Andrea
Andrea Roan was an exceptional teacher, colleague, and friend. She was a graduate of the UCD Urban Community Teacher Education Program in Spring 2011 as part of Torrey's Peak Cohort and interned at Alsup Elementary in Adams 14. This fall, she was hired as a 5th grade teacher at Alsup and in the words of her site professor, Pam McEwen, "her students just adored her". We've created this blog as a place to share our memories of Andrea and will collect them later into a memory book to share with her family. Please click on "comments" below. Before publishing your comment, you must "choose a profile" and you can select any listed if you have accounts with those profiles or you can select name/url to insert your name (you don't have to include URL) in order for your name to be listed by your comment.
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Andrea was in my literacy class during the fall of 2010. She was always a positive presence in the course. I think her own words, posted to eCollege as an introduction, give a wonderful picture of her love for teaching.
ReplyDeleteAndrea Roan’s posting to UEDU 5001 October 17, 2010
Hello,
I am an undergrad senior in the elementary education program; I can't wait for graduation. I have lived in Colorado for 3 years now, and have been a student at UCD for two and a half years. Before UCD, I traveled the country and lived in different states while discovering who I am. I have been to 3 other universities: University of Idaho, Idaho State University, and Boise State University. Obviously, I am from Idaho. I once truly wanted to be a geologist, but I could not hack Calculus, so I redirected my path in life (I am still very fond of geology, however). After some major soul searching, I went back to the first profession that I remember wanting to be when I was a young girl: a school teacher. I remember my nana praising school teachers around the world; she would talk about teaching as the most admirable thing someone could be. The decision was made, I would go to school for elementary education.
This time last year, I was deep into school as I am now. I have lots of interests, but haven't really been able to pursue any of them because of my dedication to school. I was recently asked what my hobbies were and the person ended up laughing at me, because I honestly named school as my hobby. As I have become older, I have become more involved in school than I ever remember being. School is my own little competition with myself, and I take pride in saying that I am very serious about my academic endeavors--I hope to one day go for a doctorate. That about sums me up. I am very excited about literacy methods!
I student taught with Andrea at Alsup. I started after all of the other TC's, and they had already formed bonds and become comfortable and familiar with the school. Andrea made me feel welcomed and comfortable right away. I remember her huge smile, friendly encouragement, and advice. She would often stop by my classroom to chat and see how I was doing. During site seminars she was always engaging, funny, and warm.
ReplyDeleteThe day after the royal wedding I walked into school and into a chaotic and crazy day. Something like 10 teachers were out and there weren't enough subs. I was asked to sub for 5th grade. I had only ever worked with kindergarten, first, and special education. I was extremely nervous and doubting myself. Andrea was so supportive and helpful. She spent tons of time answering my questions, building my confidence, and giving me advice and pointers. She helped me through the whole day. I don't think I could have done it without her.
When she was hired to teach at Alsup she was so excited! She cared about her students so much, and made a huge difference in all of their lives. Her students loved her so much. I would always hear them talking about how great they thought she was. Although her teaching career was much too short, she made a huge impact to so many students and to all of her colleagues and friends.
Andrea Roan was one of my very good friends. We completed our teacher education program together and through it, she taught me a great deal about what it meant to be a good teacher, mentor, friend, and person. I will always strive to be the amazing person and teacher that she so effortlessly was able to be. Andrea, you will greatly be missed. I know that you are in a better place now and I trust that you will watch down on each of your friends and family. We are lucky to have such an amazing guardian angel.
ReplyDeleteLove you,
Lindsay Craddock
Andrea Roan was a friend of mine, along with just about everyone else in and during our teacher education program together. We became friends when in one of our classes the question that was being asked was, "What are some stereotypes that you've encountered?" and I raised my hand, responding, "Just b/c I'm Asian everyone throughout my education thinks I'm super smart at Math, but that's NOT true!"
ReplyDeleteAt that moment, I remember Andrea burst and laughed out loudly. After that day, we got closer and became friends. I usually made comments and jokes that she would somehow understand and was able to laugh with me.
Andrea, will always be in our hearts. She was a lively young person and she had that magical touch, physically or emotionally, that brought and lightened our hearts up. She was such a hard worker, and so confident, that I had even looked up to her as a role model.
Andrea, you will be missed dearly. I know that you do not deserve to have had this tragedy happen to you, but I know that you are in a much better place, looking and watching over all of us as we pray for you.
Love you,
Yer Xiong
I taught Andrea in the SPED 5030 class on campus her first semester at UCD. She warmed my heart from the beginning. She was very bright and I actually looked forward to grading her papers and reading her insightful comments. She had a warm and diligent personality and was a fabulous teacher. She will be sorely missed but never forgotten!
ReplyDeleteNikki Miles
Andrea was a work study student at my school for a year. During that year, I got to see Andrea's warm and helping heart and her sparkling personality. She was so warm and caring to the students and a joy to have in my classroom. I was so sad to see her leave but extremely happy to hear that she had found a teaching job. My heart is broken to know that she will no longer be a light in our lives or in her students' lives. May she rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteAndrea and I studied at UCD and completed our teaching internships together at Alsup. I also worked alongside Andrea for a few months teaching 5th grade at Alsup. Knowing Andrea's students I can't begin to imagine their pain for the loss of their teacher. She was their light. Andrea not only taught them how to write summaries or multiply fractions but she taught them how be the best people they can be in life. Andrea loved teaching..her passion for teaching was greatly sensed. Andrea was a caring person all around. The last time Andrea and I spoke, I was telling her my testimony on how I try to live my life according to God's will. I told her that when God closes one door it's His way of letting me know He has something else planned for me, but no matter what His plan is I need to find the Joy in it even if I don't agree with it. I don't understand why I had to let you know about our conversation, but it was laying heavy on my heart to express it. I believe Andrea is at peace. She is in the arms of her creator. I will continue to pray for her family, friends, and students that one day we can find peace and joy again. Andrea will live forever in our hearts and her beautiful smile will never be forgotten.
ReplyDeleteAndrea completed a work study at St. Rose in Denver in her quest to become a teacher. She had such a warm smile and her joy for her work just radiated from her. The kids adored her and she was an amazing teacher even before her career began. We lost an amazing teacher after she left our school and moved on to her next teaching adventures. I was sad that she was no longer working her magic with our students, but very happy that she was able to begin her career doing something she loved so much. Now, the world has lost an incredible teacher and a wonderful person. She will be very missed by the many, many children and adults alike whose lives she touched on her too short time on Earth. May she rest in peace and may her wisdom live on in the lives of all the students she devoted herself to teaching.
ReplyDeleteI am so saddened to hear of Andrea's death. I worked with her on her undergraduate honor's thesis and it was one of the best thesis I've read combining theoretical sophistication and practical application. She was a joy to work with - full of enthusiasm and passion for teaching. She will be missed.
ReplyDelete